Jesse Eisenberg's Comedy 'The Debut' Named Opening Film of the 23rd Marrakech International Film Festival
The upcoming festival in Morocco has announced its comprehensive 2026 lineup featuring 76 films from 39 countries, with Marion Cotillard leading the jury and Julianne Moore starring in the opening night feature.
Published 2 November 2026
Opening Night Selection
The 23rd edition of the Marrakech International Film Festival has announced its official opening film. Jesse Eisenberg's comedy feature titled The Debut will kick off the festivities in Morocco later this month.
The picture features Julianne Moore in the lead role as a quiet housewife who uncovers an unexpected zeal for amateur theater. It sets the tone for a diverse roster of international cinema featured at the event.
Festival Scale and Sections
The upcoming gathering showcases a total of 76 films hailing from 39 different countries. These cinematic works are distributed across multiple distinct sidebars and screening categories.
The lineup incorporates Official Competition, Gala Screenings, Horizons, the 11th Continent, a Moroccan Panorama, Young Audiences and Families, and dedicated Tributes.
Official Competition Highlights
Fourteen first and second feature films are slated to compete for the festival's prestigious Etoile d'Or award. Famed actress Marion Cotillard is set to preside over the jury evaluating these new cinematic voices.
Contenders include Marie-Clementine Dusabejambo's Ben'iman, Abdallah Al-Khatib's Chronicles from the Siege, and Auguste Bernard Kouemo Yanghu's House of the Wind, alongside several world premieres such as Alkebulan and Waves of Silence.
Gala Screenings and Special Premieres
The Gala Screenings section opens with The Debut and features notable world premieres. Among these are Fellipe Barbosa's Leila et la nuit and Omar Hilal's His Weakest Creatures.
Additional highlights in this segment include Noah Segan's The Only Living Pickpocket in New York starring John Turturro, Laila Marrakchi's Oscar submission Strawberries, James Gray's Paper Tiger, and Luca Guadagnino's Artificial.
Global Independent Cinema and Horizons
The Horizons program highlights international independent cinema, featuring acclaimed works from the festival circuit. Titles include Cristian Mungiu's Palme d'Or winner Fjord and various regional stories.
Arab psychological thrillers and dramas like Mohammed Hammad's Safe Exit, Sara Ishaq's The Station, and Ahmed Hassouna's Citizen Osama also feature prominently in the roster.
Moroccan Cinema and Family Screenings
A strong domestic presence is established through the Moroccan Panorama and other sections. A combined total of eleven Moroccan-produced films are integrated into the festival program.
The Young Audiences and Families section offers eleven child and teen-friendly screenings, featuring animated works alongside Mohcine Besri's world premiere of All But My Mother.
Dates and Schedule
The cultural event is scheduled to take place in Morocco from November 20 to November 28. Audiences will experience a wide variety of global fiction and documentary features over the course of the week.
News Overview
The 23rd Marrakech International Film Festival has unveiled its 2026 lineup, featuring Jesse Eisenberg's The Debut as the opening film. The event runs from November 20 to 28 and showcases 76 films from 39 countries under the jury presidency of Marion Cotillard.
Key facts
- The 23rd Marrakech International Film Festival takes place from November 20 to 28, 2026.
- Jesse Eisenberg's comedy The Debut is the opening film.
- Julianne Moore stars in The Debut.
- The festival features 76 films from 39 countries.
- Marion Cotillard presides over the Official Competition jury.